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The Children's Museum of Houston
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
1500 Binz StHouston, TX 77004
Neighborhood: Museum District
(713) 522-1138
- Hours:
Tue-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Thu 10 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
45 reviews for The Children's Museum of Houston
Review Highlights
"Only negative I have is the new Tot Spot."
(in 9 reviews)
"There is so much to see, learn and do here."
(in 3 reviews)
"The outside area with its water works play is also great..."
(in 5 reviews)
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45 reviews in English
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Review from Christina B.
Bedford, TX
9/5/2011
This has got to be one of my most favorite places in the WORLD and I am 23 years old! I have loved this place since I was about 10 years old.
One of my most favorite parts of this whole experience is the beautiful art on the outside that consists of painted children holding the building up. I always found this to be so fascinating and colorful!
I remember walking in and immediately getting a penny pressed into the machine by the door and having a life-long souvenir.
There is a toddler section which consists of a bunch of fun, safe and energetic things for the little ones to do without worrying about getting run over by the "big-kids". Please note, you will have to wear booties around your shoes before entering this area and you MUST stay with your tot the entire time.
There is an area for face-painting, to go pretend-grocery shopping, to enter a real-life Volkswagen van, see the inside of a Ford Mustang, enter a tiny model home and do some imaginary laundry, walk outside and play on the jungle gym, or escape to the back and paint a beautiful picture
This place is great for learning as well, as it explains how phones were made, how electricity is produced and even has hands-on crafts for the kids to do and take home!
Want your kid to get some exercise? Then have them play on the "Power-Play" 35' tower where they can climb rope, jump and swing!
Want your kid to learn something about culture? Visit Yalalag and have them see items from a small village in Mexico!
The cafe has pretty good food at a decent price. Of course, it COULD be cheaper, but places like these always have over-priced food. Some of the food includes; fresh fruit, sandwiches, salad, soup, cold drinks, coffee, desserts and snacks for the kids!
The bathrooms are always clean and well-stocked.
This place really packs up fast, so keep an eye on your kids, take lots of pictures, take home some souvenirs from the Gift Shop and have a blast like I always did as a kid!
P.S. Don't forget to ride the train! -
Review from Kristen R.
Houston, TX
2/9/2012
Great museum!!!! I just wish I could be a kid again in there.
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Review from Allison M.
Houston, TX
Today we are honored by a guest reviewer, Miss Sadie M. age 3*
"We went to the museum. There were a lot of kids. I had to say 'scuse me.I danced from the TV and then I streeeetched to try to touch the dots. At the restaurant...at the restuarant I cooked the food for you. I liked the store. I bought the food in the basket and then I had to put it all back. I bought popsicles. The boys took the money but the big kid said no, then someone stepped on my hand. You have to be five to climb the tall playground, but I'm not 5, I'm 3. We played in the water outside and we made flowers outside too. You can have a party there. I should have a party there when I'm maybe, six. But after I'm three then I'll be four."
*This is a transcript of a recording I made the day after we went to the museum. All grammar and assumed spellings have been maintained. I omitted my questions to keep it on track. I felt her perspective was more useful than mine, but a few things I will add $8 for adults, $8 for kids over one year. Parking in the garage ranges from $5-$10 based on how long you are there. On a Sunday afternoon it was not too crowded. Tot Spot is for kids under 3 only.Listed in: I love my kids, but I don't…, My ROTDs
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Review from Scraps L.
Houston, TX
5/18/2011
Most of my experience with CMH is with the Tot Spot, so for parents with kids in the under 3 set, my review might be of interest.
Pros: Easy to find, lots of on-street and garage parking. Easy to get in and around; good rates, and excellent deals on memberships-- high value for your dollar. Very kind and courteous staff (could the security guard at the front door be any nicer?!). Clean restrooms with ample and well-organized changing areas.
Cons: A few of the changing tables have broken straps, and none have the disposable table liners. I know those are super hard to find, but with an entire FLOOR dedicated to the diaper-wearing kids, you're really rooting for this please to set the bar for bum protection. Not a big deal, though-- it's a very minor con in my book.
Also, the outdoor area adjacent to the tot spot is a little dated and the toys are somewhat dirty and unkempt. I don't expect this is going to be as nice as the indoor area, but it I do think there is room for improvement.
Last con-- the parking garage across the street has very finnicky pay stations. I recommend taking the extra time to pay at the booth. Twice now I have paid at the station but it didn't process. And the booth staff are not very nice. The garage is not owned by CMH, but I do think it's worth noting before you visit.
A few reviewers mention that the Tot Spot is for kids 3 and under, and others say it's for 2 and under. They are both right. It's for 3 and under but at peak times (when there are a lot of kids and parents there) they control the crowd by reducing the age limit to 24 months. So those with a kid aged 2-3, you might call first to get a handle on the crowd if you haven't been to CMH enough to gauge it yourself.
Tot Spot is really clean (no, it's not hospital grade, but come on-- it is SO much cleaner than Chuck e Cheese or even the neighborhood playground!) and the staff does a pretty good job at rotating the toys out and cleaning them. There are mesh "dirty toy" bags around TS so that parents can take out of service any toys that have been chewed or shoved down a kid's pants. I wish more parents used these bags, honestly. Also, they make all kids wear socks or bare feet, and they make all adults wear socks or shoe cover/booties. I think this is an AMAZING feature of TS. It just maintains its appearance and it does help with the cleanliness. I think it also sends a message to the members that CMH values our donations and works to keep their assets in service for as long as possible.
TS has a TON of activities for kids, and they are all amply-sized (let's learn to share!!) and entertaining. My 15 month old could stand at those teddy bear windows ALL DAY if I let her. And the giggles from the teddy bear party are just infectious-- it's really not something that annoys me, as a parent. I have a LOT of fun playing here with my daughter. There are active areas (slides, multi-textured walking surfaces, play cars), quiet areas (book corner, padded Boppy area), puzzles and games and pretend/make-believe areas as well. It's really a great mix, and I don't think there's anything there my daughter hasn't enjoyed at some point. Also of note-- TS is where my daughter took her first steps. It's a very encouraging and empowering environment for kids.
My only real complaint about TS is not at all the fault of CMH, but the parents. PLEASE, parents, stop talking on your cell phones and texting while at TS! You are here to interact with your kids and engage in their learning and development. Man, there are parents who sit there the ENTIRE TIME and just yammer away while halfheartedly shuffling after their kids. It's not the example I want to set for my child, so I really wish CMH would institute a no cell-phone policy. It's very easy to go in and out of TS, so there's no excuse to be inside TS and on the phone, should you have an emergency or otherwise important call (which we all do at some point.) -
Review from Aramis M.
Houston, TX
11/15/2011
Great for kids of all ages! I have seen it change and evolve so much over the years and it just gets better and better. My daughter is completely entertained every time she goes!
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Review from Jennifer N.
Houston, TX
6/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Plenty of things for kids to do, both educational and fun. I do thing it's better for preschoolers and elementary kids. The toddlers have a "Tot spot" but it's confined to a room and not as adventurous as the rest of the museum.
If you want a birthday party, you have to be a member, but you get special perks like members' parties. You might want to stay away from the weekends; it gets pretty crazy.Listed in: Children's Party Venues
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Review from Michelle H.
Houston, TX
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
There is so much to do in this place. My kids are a little too young to play dress up or go into characters but they love the water outside. Everything else inside is good for kids 6+
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Review from E S.
Houston, TX
3/17/2011
So we've been members for 7 years, minus 1 for their construction year.
The Halloween Party was ruined by the New DJ that was less than entertaining, like he didn't want to be there.
So then they overbook the Winter Holiday Party by not splitting it into 2 party times = disapointing kids for their yearly party outing.
Then for St. Patricks Day, they make the members wait in line, and falsely advertise on artshound their hours for karoake. The DJ was not playing child friendly music it was urban noise that was so irritating we had to leave.
I don't know if management changed, but it has changed for the worse. We will not be getting a membership renewal because of the above. -
Review from Nikki A.
4/10/2011
Me and my husband took my son here for the first time yesterday and he loved it! He went from section to section playing with everything. It is definitely a lot to do and a lot to see. You may need to go more than once to take it all in.
There were a lot of kids running around but it wasnt overwhelming. It is a lot of walking so make sure you have on the proper shoes. We went to the "kids" restaurant for a snack and it was just ok. I ordered a hot dog and while it wasnt the best hot dog I've had it was edible. Their gift shop was adorable and had a lot to choose from.
I cant wait to take my son again so that we can see more exhibits. -
Review from Michelle R.
Houston, TX
11/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
FINALLY! I had a child with me ... in order to have an excuse to go! My niece came in from out of town and this was the first spot I took her to.
She loved it ... but not as much as I did! Other than the idea of how many germs there were from all the kiddos - everything was fabulous! The entrance (once pass the ticket area) doesn't really support the grand city inside - it's very bland and not much going on. I think that's mostly where they do the craft projects - but still you'd think they would make it more colorful.
The card kids get to play games and review their heart rate in the PowerPlay area is awesome! Great idea! The Kidtropolis area is amazing as well - loved the Newsroom area (ahhh memories!) - it was great to see the kids thinking about careers!
I'm sooo visiting again... just gotta find a kid to go with! LoL -
Review from Sophia V.
Houston, TX
11/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Oh I loved it here! It actually made me feel like a kid again. I went here recently for their Halloween event with my nieces and nephew. You can't go wrong with candy, costumes & fun. They absolutely loved it & that's pretty much all that matters.
There are so many activites to keep not only the kiddies occupied, but also the adults. There's a lot of ground to cover but i'm sure kids are always down for fun. Coming to the museum, I don't thnk they know what the word 'tired' means!
Dining wise, there isn't too much to choose from. What we did, was let the kids play for almost the entire day & grabbed late-lunch at the many cute restaurants near the Museum District. Be prepared with your walking shoes :)Listed in: Best Family Places
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Review from Jocelyn J.
Broward, FL
9/26/2010
This is honestly one of the best children's museums in the country. I've been to a few and since it's renovation, it has definitely moved to the top of my list of children's educational attractions. This museum has something for children of all ages.
Some highlights:
* There's the Tot Spot for the 2 and under kids. It's a very large area with indoor and outdoor space. My daughter loved this area so much and it's great that they only allow a given number of people in here at a time so it doesn't become uncomfortably crowded.
* Kidtropolis was probably my daughter's FAVORITE area in the museum. It's a place where you get your own "ATM card" where you can (1) earn "money" doing various "jobs" (i.e. veterinarian, EMT, grocer, etc.), (2) spend "money" (at the supermarket or cafe, etc) and/or (3) save "money" (at the bank). This area is fun for parents too since you get to see how much your child understands and learns these concepts!
* Flow Works - the outdoor "water park" where they learn everything and anything related to water!
* Power Play - for the older kids - a great climbing feature
There is so much to see, learn and do here. And for the price, the value is incredible! I wish we still lived in Houston so my daughter could enjoy this museum over and over.Listed in: Kiddie Korner
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Review from Minnie T.
7/28/2008
I love coming here! I'm 21 and this place is awesome. Maybe I love this place because I didn't come here when I was smaller. Eh, I'm not bitter.
I went here with my best friend and we loved it. We paid for parking but I'm pretty sure you can find parking on the streets. I'm just a horrible parallel parker. When you enter, you are surrounded by kid and adults chasing them. Because we didn't have kids with us, we had to surrender our IDs so be aware of that if you're coming with no kids.
There are so many activities to do even if your not a kid and lots of pictures that you can take in here. We went to the exhibit with the different countries, and we took so many pictures of us in there so our friends would of thought we went to Mexico. Yes, we fooled a few.
I learned a lot from coming here. Maybe because they dumb it down. Eh, I'm glad. We spent about 3 hours here and I could probably spend the whole day here if I had kids. Hmm... in a few years hopefully. -
Review from Monica S.
Houston, TX
Updated - 3/9/2009
I was invited to preview the Museum's expansion this past weekend and can pretty much tell you the Children's Museum of Houston is a million times better than ever before! I seriously spent three hours playing in the NEW wing alone with my eyes filled with amazement and jaw dropped to the floor. There is so much to see and do!
One of my favorite new exhibits is Kidtropolis - a mini kid city run by kids! Every kiddo gets their own Chase ATM card filled with 60 bucks to run around town. A few highlights from Kidtropolis - You can be a vet and diagnose sick animals, you can be a anchor-kid and deliver the daily news, run for mayor, solve a crime, be an artist and much, much more.
This is just a fraction of the all new space, there's also the basement that is reserved for Cyber Chase and Invention Convention. And don't miss out on climbing the Power Tower!
Seriously, my review can do it no justice... you have to experience it for yourself. Try going this Saturday, 3/14/09 for FREE from 10am to 8pm or check out my flickr - http://flickr.com/phot...Listed in: I just can't get enough!, My Neighborhood, Culture Vultures
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/8/2008
"Come one, come all!" is probably the Museum's motto! Any size, shape, color or age is welcome here… Read more »
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Review from Sam V.
Houston, TX
8/17/2008
I've been to a lot of museums - both as a dad and as an inquisitive nerd. And when it comes to children's museums, this is the best one I've seen so far. It's a great thing to be able to boast that we have this in Houston. The only pitfall of this place is the crowds if you go on a summer day (camps) or rainy weekend (lots to do inside).
Pricing is cheap to get in ($5 per person) and they have a free evening on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm. I also noticed recently a coupon for a discount equivalent to a gallon of gas (nice promo idea). Parking can be free if you park on neighboring streets and walk a block or two or you can park across the street in the pay lot. There is a cool water feature for the kiddos to play with in the courtyard (sail boats down the waterfall!) and plenty to do - almost all of it hands-on. And we all know kids can't keep their hands off stuff.Listed in: The Kid List
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Review from Jolyn B.
Updated - 6/26/2008 12 photos
I can't believe some people think this place needs a makeover!! We went back today with 5 kids (ranging from 5 to 11 yrs old) and they all loved it. On a rainy day, a $5 admission for hours and hours of play is definitely worth it!!
We started in the huge gameroom. The activities range from pulley chairs, to hands-on texture/density/leverage machines. The room adjacent has a mock tv station, KIDTV, were the kids can dress up and get behind the anchor desk or work the cameras. We went in the long, large hallway for face painting and to make their own kites, before breaking to Kids' Cafe for lunch.
The Kids' Cafe has LOTS of options, from the traditional cheeseburger and fries, grilled cheese, and hotdogs, to fruit cups, deli sandwiches, milk and other nutritious offerings. Feeding all 6 of us was only $35!!
We spent another couple hours in the back room, which are very nicely decorated and separated. The first room had puzzles, funny hats, and mirrors. Another room was "Mother Earth" green room which had a great game where the kiddos had to remove the pollutants (brown pieces) from the makeshift river and rainwater (blue pieces). Kids were reading the information while playing and learning!
We didn't get to visit the renovated gardens due to the rain but it looked beautiful!!Listed in: For us procreaters
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/2/2007
Love love love the Children's Museum. Oh and my kids do too! Plus, there's plenty to keep both my… Read more »
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Review from Ronni P.
Houston, TX
9/19/2010 8 Check-ins Here
As it was recently renovated, this place has totally improved to accommodate more interests and give a better flow.
With an infant under 3 - head to the back, take the lift up to an isolated tot spot. If it's not crowded, chances are they'll let a slightly older sibling in. You'll find this area spacious and generously lit with sunlight. You can even venture to the terrace and take the tot for a spin on a ride-on toy.
Downstairs, but outside you'll notice some water-based toys. There's also a small nature center with incubators housing young chicks and warming eggs.
Middle area and upstairs are rotating exhibits, although it doesn't rotate very often.
Only some memberships afford the discounted parking or concessions.I tend to like this place even more at Halloween and the holidays because it's less crowded and more festive. -
Review from Katie S.
Houston, TX
2/4/2008
This is a very fun place to go with your kids or even if you are a kid at heart. I go at least once a week with my 22-month old. We have been going to the "Tot Spot" since he was a few months old. The Tot Spot is for three and under and has activities for crawlers, sitters, walkers and even the youngest who can just lay there and giggle at the ceiling! They have a great small infant section that has fans with ribbons and dangly toys and mirrors. I know some new moms who would spend all day here when their babies were new just for the company of the other moms and the feeling that they've done something productive for their babies!
They have regularly scheduled activities in the Tot Spot including the Toddler Takeover which I think is on Thursday morning but check the website to be sure. This is great because a lot of parents show up and there is story time and singing.
The regular part of the museum is great too, lots of fun activities including a farm to market setup with a cow you can "milk", and live baby chicks! There is a kid sized play grocery store which is a big hit too. My son loves the chicks! There are seasonal exhibits, the last one we saw was the interactive Chagall exhibit, hard to explain but very cool, though I don't know how much the kids enjoyed it.
Be sure you check the website before your visit to check on what activities are planned for that day. There are great presentations in the theater, as well as puppet shows and face painting in the lobby, you just need to check ahead for times.
I gave this four stars because they tore down the outside play area and are expanding so there is a lot less to do right now. I also was told that the new addition would not be open until 2009 which is unfair since we got our membership right before the tear down and didn't know. The outside portion was really fun on sunny days; hopefully the new outdoor section will be just as good. I also hear they are significantly expanding the Tot Spot.Listed in: Indoor Play for the Sippy-cup…
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Review from Carole G.
11/17/2007 1 photo
This is a marvelous place! I took my granddaughter here on a really, really hot day when the Houston Zoo was not the place to be. Having only been to one other "children's museum" ages ago and not being that impressed; I wasn't sure how this would be. But, it's wonderful! They have so many rooms set up with remarkable hands-on exhibits that are interactive and entertaining. There is plenty to keep adult minds occupied while the kids are having fun too.
My granddaughter especially enjoyed driving the real 1960-something Ford Mustang (Born to Be Wild plays in a loop the whole time you are in it). Fun to watch all of the moms rocking out when their kids were in the driver's seat! LOL!
We both loved the telephone exhibit. Being 3, she loved playing with all of the phones. I had a great time finding all the old family phones (including my old Princess!) on the phone man somewhere.
The farm to table exhibits were extensive and provided opportunities for play at many levels. Heck, their little grocery store was stocked with more food items than I see in some real stores! They even had more check-outs.
I had a blast reading about all of the child inventors and seeing their photos that were on display in a room that had Legos, Kinex and many other similar toys to play with. There were many areas of that room where older children could become very inspired with creativity to explore new ways of doing things.
All-in-all, we spent a nice, air conditioned afternoon and had a great time for 3-4 hours. I am only giving 4 stars since we did not eat there at all and that would factor in had we spent all day. But, I will say that the whole place was clean and the staff was helpful and friendly and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I would definitely go back. -
Review from Ro N.
New York, NY
10/22/2007
Came here when I was like wee tall - so don't remember much but I remember there were a lot of activities that you can do.
Finger painting or something like that! -
Review from David N.
12/17/2009 1 photo
This museum was one of the few on my recent tour that wasn't FREE. It costs 7.00 dollars for adults. I assume most of the money goes towards paying for the staff to track down the kids because while I was there they were constantly on the radio looking for lost children.
It is the children's museum so thus it has to be fun for kids, but at the same time there is a bunch of stuff for the adults to do too.
It felt like a big playground with children jumping and running all around.
My favorite part was building the boats and sailing them down the the water works area.Listed in: Houston: Museums
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Review from Diana L.
Mountain View, CA
6/10/2008
This place is in some serious need of a makeover. I have all these happy memories of coming here as a child and really enjoying myself. I took my little cousin here when I was visiting a week or so ago, and I was aghast at the state the museum's in. There's a very disjointed feel as you move from exhibit to exhibit; some are very old and worn, and others are old and not too worn. However, there certainly aren't any new exhibits to captivate the mind. I also got the sense that a lot of the interactive exhibits are rarely cleaned; the small enclosed areas (like the miniature Mexican bus) really smell of body odor, and you can almost see the germs coating every surface. Disgusting.
I don't know why they're bothering with renovating the gardens outside when they should really be spending the money on exhibits within, especially since no one in their right mind would sit around in the blazing hot sun anyway. They should come up with more original and fun exhibits for the kids or at least staff more enthusiastic people to interact with the kids on existing displays. Also, for the self-service interactive displays, they should really make sure that the supplies and tools are replenished every so often. -
Review from anmry n.
Bellaire, TX
1/7/2010
How could I forget this place? My 2 yr old nephew and friend's 5 yr old niece adores this museum. Of all the sections and floors, they fave is the mini HEB. So, many different activities and massive amount of adult and kids.
I guess parents lose their kids all the time, I can see why. I was asked if I was missing a child when a little one was holding my finger. Um, no, I'm sorry. I only baby sit one kid at a time.
It's interactive and fun, not quite sure about the indoor maze since it's soooo confusing and I made my friend's niece cry when she has a hard time finding the exit. : / -
Review from Charis L.
Houston, TX
3/29/2009
So I don't begin to claim to know anything about entertainment for children since hubby and I do not yet have any kids. But, this past weekend one of my college roommates was in town with her husband and 18mo old twins.
Friday afternoon we spent a couple of hours down at the Children's Museum of Houston. We weren't certain how appropriate it would be for children who are as young as the twins, but we gave it a go anyway.
All I have to say is not only were the twins thoroughly entertained, but so were we! The amusement that we received was well worth the $7 admission charge for adults.
The first place we went once we were inside was upstairs to the 'Tot Spot.' I honestly think the twins could have stayed in this area for many hours. It is the type of place where you can put your child down and just let them go. When you go in, be prepared to either remove your shoes or put covers over your shoes (which I thought was great since kids are all over the floor, etc in there).
We noticed a large structure outside with water spouting out everywhere so we went to check it out. Wow. Be prepared to get wet. Everything in this entire place is "hands on", including this water exhibit. After about 30 minutes of playing around there and once the twins were soaked, we moved on. I must note that my hubby especially enjoyed the water exhibit as well. There was one point when I was playing with the kids and looked around and hubby was gone. After a little bit I saw him on the other side watching kids and smiling really big. It was great.
There was a lot we did not get to see mostly because of the young age of the kids we were with. We walked through 'Kidtropolis' and found it so great! There were all these kids running a town just their size. Everything from a bank, grocery store, cafe, news station, to a town hall where you can go vote was there. All run by kids.
When we, the adults, were getting hungry and ready to go they did not like it at all. They would rather us have starved. Tears were shed when we left.
One thing to note: The parking garage across the street is somewhere between $5-7. (I'm not positive because we didn't park there) If you are only planning on being there a couple of hours it is worth it to just park in the metered parking around the museum. There seemed to be plenty available. -
Review from Shana P.
Houston, TX
8/17/2007 1 photo
The Children's Museum of Houston is rated among the best in the country and for good reason. With a $5 admission per person, you can spend hours with the little ones in your life in air conditioned entertainment.
The sprawling museum is filled with positive and intellectually stimulating exhibits for kids of all ages. This place has filled every square foot with hands on exhibits that make museum going fun, creative an electrifying.
When you want to escape the crowds climbing through the multiple levels of games and gadgets, you can go outside for even more entertainment. A water feature comes with floating items and nets for kids to splash and play. There's also a tea house, a rail car and arts and crafts rooms full of masterpieces just waiting for their little artists.
Inside, you can grab some food and make a day of it. Cheaper and more fulfilling than sitting in a movie for a few hours - The Children's Museum is a great stop any time of year when you have little ones to entertain and enlighten. -
Review from Taryn B.
Friendswood, TX
2/16/2011
I took my kids here and I gotta say, we had a blast! There was so much to do. There was not a moment my kids said they were bored or wanted to go home. And no matter how old or young your kids are, there is something for everyone. Before I came here, I thought I would be bored, but there's actually plenty of things to keep adults entertained also. This was definitely a nice get-away for the kids (and for me too)!
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Review from Polly R.
12/11/2009
Holy crapoli.
This place is spectacular.
Even though my first visit there was tainted a bit by the mass of five million people + school field trips on free night.. it still gets five shiny ones. Yes.. it's THAT awesome.
Memberships ensue.Listed in: "Fun", It's Possible!
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Review from Tljap P.
Houston, TX
Best thing we ever did- bought year family pass to the childrens Museum. Caution* extremely busy on the weekends.
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Review from Lauren P.
Magnolia, TX
1/10/2009
This place has more than enough potential to be AMAZING! But it isn't. Mainly because they do not change or properly maintain their displays/exhibits. When you charge admission for a venue isn't that what the monies collected should go to first - keeping the place in perfect working order so people come back then worrying about paying staff members?!
It's a lot of fun don't get me wrong, but it's over crowded and children running into and over one another with little to no parental supervision at all. Having fun is one thing Reenacting "The Lord of the Flies" is something else. I have watched older children that honestly have no business in the building stress things until they did break just for the joy of it. Why did I not say anything? Because in this day and age when you correct someone else's child you can find yourself slapped with a frivolous lawsuit.
List are put out annually of what the best/favourite children's museums across the country are. This one has never even received and honourable mention. Like the MNSH this place could be *GREAT* but clearly the management has their priorities a bit out of whack. -
Review from Esther L.
Sugar Land, TX
4/10/2010
I'm 22 and think this place is freaking awesome!
I was here almost everyday during Spring Break registering kids for Lemonade Day and saw tons of kids explore the museum and all that is has to offer. Everything from a vet clinic where kids check out x-rays to the Water Works and Eco Station outside..I think it's a great place to learn and have fun! They also have popcorn and cupcakes for $1 outside in the courtyard or visit their cafe (prices aren't super outrageous) if you have hungry kiddos!
Parking can be crazy during Spring Break..but there are several residential blocks around the museum & you can try to find parking on the streets if there aren't any restrictive signs.
Thursday nights are Free Family Fun Nights from 5-8 - go then if you can! -
Review from Heather S.
Atlanta, GA
9/24/2009
I've been to Children's Museums in Philly, Atlanta, Brooklyn and Manhattan and this is by far the best one yet.
Everything was organized and clean. I thought the exhibits were really thought out well.
The toddlers area was great and had lots of stuff for them to do. We visited every part of the museum (even the ones that aren't age appropriate for my 2 year old just to look around) and I can't wait for my daughter to be older to be able to do some of the other things they have there (like the tower of power!).
One of the most awesome parts? Flow Works outside. It's the best water exhibit I've seen. Awesome. My daughter loved it! I loved it!
When we are in town, we will definitely be making a trip back here! -
Review from Cindy P.
Houston, TX
11/10/2009 3 photos
Move over kiddos and make way for me! I took my son and nephew here for Halloween and I actually believe I enjoyed it more than they did. Having lots of little monsters run around in even cuter monster costumes was a plus. My favorite was a toddler skunk who's tail wiggled with every step!
We hit up Kidtropolis, Power Play, Water Works, Ecostation, into the many little rooms of How It Works. They had activities table set up through out the Kid's Hall in front of the Cafe, and then ended up back out at the Waterworks per the kids request.
My favorite had to be the Waterworks. They had a giant bowl that eventually tips over and just splashes water like a mini waterfall. There was a wave maker, and little "streams" with boats and tubes for the younger kids to play with. After 3 hours I really appreciated the many benches and shade they had throughout the exhibit.
The kids really enjoyed the mini tornado maker as well as the giant light up game pad. We tried to look for spiders in the Ecostation but didn't spot any. However they did had little chicks in a incubation dome that was precious. The motion commotion was also another favorite of the kids.
They've already made requests to come back again with permission to invite friends because they can't wait to show of this great place I took them to on Halloween! I had fun, the kids have fun, what's not to like about this place?!? -
Review from Tara N.
Aubrey, TX
3/9/2011
The best to go for any kid in Houston worth every penny
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Review from S A.
Houston, TX
9/1/2011
this place is great! we've been going to this place since my son has 1.5 yo. we love this place, so much to do, so much to see. he loves the visual and tactile experience. we even had his birthday party here and the staff was amazing.
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Review from sri n.
Jenkintown, PA
10/19/2008
This place is a hoot!! I took my mom there and even she had a great time!
Must do if you have kids. -
Review from olivia b.
Houston, TX
3/26/2009
Boom goes the dynamite! Wait, let me say it again. Boom goes the dynamite cuz the dynamite goes Boom!
Well, considering the fact that I have been to The Children's Museum 3 times in the past 2 weeks including twice during spring break, and I am a totally freak about crowds and lines and unattended children. This is testament that the newly remodeled facilities are TOTALLY AWESOME, they are rad. When I walked in the place and saw the new "Power Tower" I literally misted up a bit. I can foresee how much fun my 6 year-old will have climbing the thing. Sadly, the line was obscene both days he came along. So, he has not yet had a chance to become king of that mountain. The kidtropolis area is pretty cool. It is fun for both toddlers and older kids. I love the ATM card and corresponding pay checks. This has to be helpful in teaching the kids about work and pay and savings, etc... The outside area with its water works play is also great for both toddlers and older kids. My oldest really liked playing with the part that resembled the Panama Canal with locking gates and channels.
Only negative I have is the new Tot Spot. I preferred the old one. The new one is just a big open room on the second floor. There are some cool new additions to the room, but I think having different sections like in the old tot spot was cooler.
Come to the Children's Museum. I guarantee you that you (or at least your monster children) will have a blast.Listed in: my hood
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Review from Shirley Y.
Houston, TX
2/16/2008
I love this place!! The last time I went for myself was in elementary school and I really enjoyed it. But I've also gone with kids I babysat and they always had a blast. There's always so many crafts and activities to do. My 4 year old nephew LOVES coming here. You can even pretend to be in a grocery store & bank... they have checkout lines, fake money, and many more.
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Review from Andrew M.
10/20/2007
Just went here today with my little brother. There were lots of halloween festivities going on, including a little trick or treating (which my little bro was all about). There were lots of great activities for the kids, it was very interactive. My one complaint would have been that it seemed smaller than I imagined, however they packed a lot into the space they had. Definitely would recommend to anyone with kids!
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Review from Muriel H.
8/12/2010
the museum is amazing, however the place was way overcrowded with day care and camp groups. You couldn't use or get close to 70% of the things there and a lot of the kids were so big mixed in with little 2 year old kids. The staff was understaffed and never about if you needed to ask a question. Would be great if they had a dedicated day for camps and large groups.
Comment from Henry Y. of The Children's Museum of Houston 9/2/2010
Dear expats i: Thank you for taking the time to voice your… More » -
Review from Jason P.
Houston, TX
1/17/2010
This upstairs play area is GREAT for toddlers. They keep the toys clean and sterile. My nephew threw a fit when we finally had to leave!
